Blasting shell and firing mechanism therefor



July 14, 1953 K. c. BUGG 2,645,181

BLASTING SHELL AND FIRING MECHANISM THEREFOR 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 4, 195o I N VEN TOR.

A Y/mgy 6252599 July 14, 1953 K. c. BUGG BLASTING SHELL -AND FIRING MECHANISM THEREFOR 4 Smets-snaai 2 Filed Jan. 4, 1950 je IVEXTOR BY f2@ 599/ July 14, 1953 K. c. BUGG l BLASTING SHELL AND FIRING MECHANISM THEREFQR 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Jan. 4. 195o h. bk. NNN. f V @um HEQ www @w wwmm @MN Nm www www. 7 N N| Il l @l l l d. WKN ,www I www L @wh am, Nw. Nw www mw mwww @www wmww Sm K. C. BUGG July 14, 1953 2,645,181 BLASTING SHELL AND FIRING MECHNISM THEREFOR Filed'Jan. 4. 195o www Patented July 14, 1953 i BLASTING SHELL AND FIRING MECHANISM THEREFOR Kenly C. Bugg, Fort Wayne, Ind., assignor to Materials Blasting Company, Inc., Fort Wayne, Ind., a. corporation'of Indiana Application January 4, 1950, Serial No. 136,769

7 Claims.

This invention pertains to'blasting shells and firing mechanism therefor.

In lblasting operations of many kinds it is usual to drill holes in the wall to be blasted and to insert some means for breaking out the wall adjacent the holes. As used herein wall is considered as a generic term as it is Well known that coal or other minerals may be broken out in chunks, as well as Wells formed, ditches and ponds blasted, stumps removed, etc. In so doing it is sometimes desirable to break out the material in the wall in chunks (as distinguished from pulverizing the material), and so the blasting means should be a controlled and controllable one. Also, the work must be done with the maximum of safety to the operator.

It is, therefore, an object of this invention to lprovide means for blasting coal or the like, with the greatest possible safety factors.

Another object of the invention is to provide means of blasting wherein a blasting shell is used which is a self-contained, readily reusable operative device.

Another object of the invention is t0 provide blasting means wherein the explosive and eX- pansion power of the shell is utilized to the greatest degree in heaving the coal or the material tobe mined, rather than in shattering the material.

Another object of the invention is to provide a shell wherein pressure can be obtained of such high value that the shell size and Weight may be reduced appreciably.

Another object of the invention is to provide a blasting shell wherein means is incorporated to 'diminish the hazard of flashing adjacent gases, etc. to a minimum.

Another object of the invention is to provide a blasting shell wherein restriction of velocities of the generated gases can be used in a wide range of blasting power.

Another object of the invention is to provide a shell that may be loaded or positioned in the shooting cavity with flexible and removable means of attachment to control the firing of said shell.

' Another object of the invention is to provide a blasting shell wherein means of compression is made an integral part of the shell in its operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide a shell wherein excessive pressures may be built up and controlled that are not readily or practically obtainable by pneumatic compression means and the like.

Another object of the invention is .to provide a blasting shell of such high pressure that the diameter of the shell may be reduced to a minimum which greatly reduces the cost of drilling in such blasting operations.

Another object of the invention is to provide blasting means wherein the multiple requirements of blasting forces may be regulated and calibrated to the best possible results.

Another object of the invention is to provide blasting means wherein a great area of controlled explosive force may be imparted to the bore area of the hole to be blasted.

With these and various other objects in view, the invention consists of certain novel features of construction and operation as will be more fully described and particularly pointed out in the specification, drawings and claims appended hereto.

In the drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the device and wherein like reference characters are used to designate like partsy Figure l is a fragmentary, sectional elevation through one form of blasting shell device embodying the invention;

Figures 2 and 3 are fragmentary, sectional elevations through modied forms of blasting shell devices embodying the invention;

Figure 4 is a transverse, sectional elevation taken substantially in the plane as indicated by the line 4 4 of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a transverse, sectional elevation taken substantially in the plane as indicated by the line 5-5 of Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary, sectional elevation through another modified form of blasting shell device embodying the invention;

Figure '7 is a transverse, sectional elevation through the modied form of blasting shell device embodying the invention shown in Figure 6, the same being taken substantially in the plane as indicated by the line 1-1 of Figure 6;

Figures -8 and 9 are transverse sectional elevations corresponding to Figure '7 through other modified forms of blasting shells embodying the invention, the modiiication shown in Figure 9 showing an added part;

Figure 10 is a transverse, sectional elevation of another modied form of reed adapted for use in connection with the blasting shell devices illustrated in Figures 6 to 9, inclusive;

Figure l1 is a fragmentary, sectional elevation of one form of firing mechanism adapted for use with the blasting shell devices illustrated in Figures l to 10, inclusive;

Figure 12 is a fragmentary, sectional elevation through one end of the shell handling tube adapted for use with the firing mechanism and shell devices illustrated in Figures 1 to 1l, inclusive, and 13 and 14, the same showing the connecting end therefor;

Figures 13 and 14 are fragmentary, sectional elevations through modified forms of firing mechanisms adapted for use in connection with the blasting shell devices illustrated in Figures 1 to 10, inclusive;

Figure l is an enlarged sectional elevation through another form of blasting shell device embodying the invention, being particularly adapted for use where high compression 1S desired; and t Figure 16 is an enlarged sectional elevatlon through yet another form of blasting shell device embodying the invention, being particularly adapted for use where low compression is desired.

Referring first of all, more particularly, to the' blasting shell device illustrated in Figure 1, the shell device comprises the body member 2li Vthreaded as at 22 for the reception of mating threads of firing mechanism to be later described, the body member being provided with the shell receiving bore 524 adapted to receive the explosive or pressure generating (blasting) shell 26, said bore flaring torcommunicate with the pressure cavity 28, which in turn is constricted adjacent the opposite end to communicate with the smaller bore Si). Bore in turn is adapted to communicate with pressure control means to be later moreparticularly described. The body member 2E! is externally threaded as at 32 for the reception of mating (internal) threads of the pressure directing shell nose member 34, the

threaded connection between said nose and body member being preferably of the quick disconnect or fast opening type.

Nose 34 is provided with the escape cavity or chamber 3S communicating with the backwardly directed (generally radially disposed) pas- L sages 33, and the nose is provided with suitable (internal) threads 4] for the -reception of mating (external) threads of the end closure 42,

pellable closure member 52. As shown, the bore 11S-5i) is smaller adjacent the center of the inthe predetermined pressure is built up within said cavity, the projectile 52 is caused to be expelled from the hardened insert 46, passing into the cavity 54, thus permitting the pressure built up within the cavity 28 to be released suddenly through passages 38, in eiect, blowing back toward `the entrance of the boreinwhich the body member is inserted. Thusf it maybe said that the displaced material is suddenly moved due to subjecting it to the concentrated velocity of the expanding gases released by firing shell 25. This release of pressure at high or concentrated velocity through passages 38 causes a restriction of velocity against the material defining the bore which effects a controlled heaving action against said material of the borezwhereby the material is dislocated in large chunks without pulverizing, and, as it is controlled, with safety to the location of the blasting.

After the blasting shell device has been used as byexploding the explosive shell 26, it can be removed for additional use, a new shell 26 being appliedin cavity 24, the nose 34 being removed and end closure 42 being removed,.the socket 58 being formed in. said end closure to facilitate removal. Upon removal of end closure 42 the expended bullet 52 can be removed and a new bullet 52 lcaribe applied to the insert 46, or a new or loaded insert 4625 can be applied, after .which the nose and end closure can be assembled with the body member for use as above described.

In the construction illustrated in Figure 2 the body liti isv similar to body 23, the cavity 62 is similar tocavity 2S and'communicates withv passage S-i, which is similar to passage 36. `The end of body member 5D is providedV with the external sert than at the ends, that isthe bore may be 'l said to be made up of oppositely directed frustoconical parts 48 and 50 iiaring away .from the center of insert 46. The projectile is correspondingly shaped. cates with cavity whereby the projectile may pass through Ysaid cavity and be received within the cavity 5d provided in the closure 42, In order to pressure seal nose 34 to body 20 and the nose to insert 55, suitable O-rings 55 are interposed between the end of body 2B which is received withinv the securing end of nose 34, and nose 34, and between nose 34 and insert 46.

In the operation of this form of the device the pressure generating (blasting) shell 26 is of the selective capacity depending upon the particular use to which the blasting shell is to be used. The body member 2li is inserted the predetermined distance into the bored hole of the material (such as coal) to be displaced. The shell 2t is iired or detonated such as in a manner and by the means tobe later described, which causes the predetermined pressure to be built up within the chamber of the pressure cavity 28. When The passage 48-50 communiV threads 66 for the reception of complementary threads of the pressure directing shell nose mem,- ber $8, a suitable seal ring 'iiibeing interposed between the shell 6G and nose member 68, kand seal ring l2 being interposed between nose member 68 and the hardened insert 'i4 (similar to insert 46),. As before, the insert is provided with the reverse tapered `bores 'fd-18 closed by means of the projectile or bullet Sii, insert 'i4 being provided with the shoulder 82 seated on a complementary shoulder in the nose member 68.

As before, passage 18 communicates with the cavity 84 which in turn. communicates withpassages 86, similar to passages 38, being directed backwardly of the bodyv member 6B. Cavity 84 communicates with cavity 38 provided with the bushing 9D forming a stop for shoulder 92 of the piercing and escaping plug 94, shoulder 92 being slidably mounted inl cavity 96 defined at its other end by shoulder 98. vThe sharp end lobt of plug S4 is adapted to move within passage H12 to pierce the cap 104 of the carbon dioxide cartridge H16, or other pressure cartridge for releasing materials reactive to combustible materials. Cartridge IOS is mounted within the cavity Hi8 and positioned by the pressure screw HG of threadedcap lll, said screw being adjusted by the socket H2, the end of the cartridge H25 containing cap |44 being seated on washer lili disposed adjacent the .plug 84. Cap ill is preferably threaded to nose 68 by quick disconnect threads to facilitate changing cartridges liii. Plug 94 is provided with aXial passage l i5, and radial passages I I3 (in the sharp end permitting the passage of the contents of cartridge l to cavity 88 in which it can be combined with the pressure fluid expelled from cavity 62, after which the mixture may be passed through passages 8S for displacement of the adjacent coal or other material.

Thus it Will be seen that in the device illustrated in Figure 2, when theexplosive shell (similar to 'shell 26, Figure 1) is iired the projectile 80 is propelled to engage the piercing and escaping plug 94 moving it toward the left as -viewed in Figure 2. This movement causes the sharp end |00 of plug 94 to pierce cap |04 permitting the gas under pressure in cartridge |06 to be released rearwardly, flowing through passages ||8| |6 to cavity 88Y mixing with the gas released from chamber 62, the mixture flowing through passages 86 to controllably displace the adjacent material of the bore in which the device is disposed. To reuse the device it is only necessary to remove cap and replace cartridge |06, remove nose 68 from Ybody 60 and replace the insert 14 with a new insert and projectile (removing the red proj ectileV from cavity 88), and replacing the fired explosive shell (as 26 in Figure 1) In the construction illustrated in Figures 3, 4 and 5, the body |20, similar to body 20, is provided with pressure cavity |22, similar to cavity 28, which communicates with smaller bore |24, the end |26 of body |20 being provided with the external quick disconnect threads |28 adapted to receive cooperating internal threads of the nose |30. `An O-ring seal |32 may be disposed between nose |30 and body |20. Nose |30 is provided With the piston bore |34 similar to and communicating with bore |24, said bore 34 communicating with cavity |36, similar to cavity 36, which in turn communicates with the rearwardly directed passages 38,

Bore |34 communicates with resistance fluid reservoir |40, stepped shoulders |42 and |44 being interposed between bore |34 and reservoir |40. The reservoir is closed by means of the fixed closure plug|46 threaded as at |48 into said nose, Spanner wrench openings |50 being provided to facilitate the application and removal of the plug |46 with respect to said nose. Plug |46 is provided with spaced legs defined by suitable vopenings. |52, said legs being substantially of the same width Yas shoulder |44 and being adapted to seat thereon. Pressure control piston |54 is slidably mounted as at |56 in plug |46, an O-ring seal |58 being provided therebetween to prevent leakage from the reservoir |40 past the piston |54. An O-ring seal |60 is also provided between the nose |30 and plug |46 to preyent leakage from said reservoir |40, the piston 54 being provided with the shoulder |62 adapted to seat upon shoulder |42 when the plug is in its innermost position wherein the closure member, plunger or cylinder |64 is in position to close communication between the passages |38 and bore |34. O-ring seals |66 are preferably disposed on each side of the passages |38 to prevent leakage past the closure member |64 to passages |38.

Shoulder |62 is provided with a plurality of slots or small passages |68 forming by-passes which regulate the speed travel of piston |54. When the piston |54 is in the position illustrated in Figure 3, that is, when shoulder |62 is seated on shoulder |42, rearwardly directed passages filled with resistance fluid are closed at their outer ends. Said passages |10 communicate with an axial or centrally disposed passage |12 closed by means of the ball valve |14 seated on seat |16. In 4this position passage |12 and passages |10, filled with resistance iiuid, Aare closed against communication with radial passages |18 which communicate with reservoir'l40, all filled with resistanceuid, and are also closed against com munication with the spring recess also lled with resistance liquid. Spring |82 is disposed in the recess |80 and is seated at one end on the ball valve |14 and at the other end on the closure plug |84 whereby said spring urges said .ball valve toward closed position on seat |16.

Closure plug |34 is threaded as at |86 to piston |54 and a suitable socket |88 being provided for the reception of a wrench for removal or adjustment of the plug |84. When the ball valve |14 is in closed position as illustrated in Figure 3, as before pointed out, passage |12 is closed against communication with passages |18, but there is a space around the valve |14 so that passages |18 are in communication with spring recess |80, that is, there is clearance between the ball and the bore of recessY l 80. Y

Assuming the device to be as illustrated in Figure 3, it is understood, of course, that the pressure generating shell as 26 is in position as illustrated in Figure 1, and the piston |54 is in position where the plunger |64 closes communication between bore |34 and, consequently cavity |22, and passages |38. Resistance iiuid is disposed within the reservoir |40, recess |80, and passages V|18, |68, |10 and |12. When the shell 26 is fired the predetermined pressure built up within the cavity |22 moves the piston |54 toward the left as viewed in Figure 3, the resistance fluid resisting movement of the piston |54, but ilowing, upon movement of said piston, through passages |68, being displaced by movement of the shoulder |62.

When passages |38 are uncovered, the pressure built up within the cavity |22 is releasediblowing back toward the entrance of the bore into which the body member is inserted, causing the controlled breaking away of the material adjacent the bore. When the device is to be used again the piston |54 is, or course, moved inwardly to the position illustrated in Figure 3, causing the plug |64 to close passagesV |38. Movement of the piston |54 is facilitated by the valve |14 which readily opens permitting the resistance fluid to flow from the right of shoulder |62 to the left thereof. A new shell 26 may then be applied into the position as illustrated in Figure 1 whereupon the device is ready for another operation.

Referring now to the blasting shell device illustrated in Figures 6 and '7, said device com- .prises the shell or body |92 provided with the blasting shell bore |94 for the reception of the explosive or pressure generating `shell |96, the body |92 being provided with the threads |98 for the reception of mating threads of the firing mechanism for shell |96. Bore |94 communicates with bore 200 which is divided by means of the spider 202 perforated as at 204. Body |92, for substantially the length of the spider, is provided with longitudinal slots 206 whereby the body adjacent the spider is, in effect, formed of a plurality of substantially triangularly shaped ribs 208.

The end of body |92 beyond the ribs is closed yas at 2 |0, and between the ribs 208 suitable shoes or reeds 2|2 are tted, the reeds 2|2 in Figure '1, having an outer arcuate portion 2|4 and an inner rib 2|6 fitting within the slots 206. Pressure rings 2|6 are preferably provided acting as a seal, the outer arcuate portions 2| 4 of adjacent reeds extending toward each other forming an overlap around the outer arcuate surfaces of the ribs 208. The reeds may be secured within the shoulder 220 of body |92 by means of holding ribs 222 and where the reed'sare. of rubber or other resilient material, a retaining ringA 224 may be applied. If a steel reed is used, ring 224 may be omitted.k c

In the construction shown in Figure 8, body 92 is similar tothat already described With respect to Figures 6 Aand '7. The reeds 226 are shown as of rubber and the outer ilange 228 more closely embraces the ribs 268 of the body, but in this case inasmuch as the reeds are resilient, no seals 2l8 are necessary between the inwardly projecting ribV portion 230 (similar to portion 2 i6) vof each reed.,V

In the construction illustrated in Figure 9, the body portion'1l92 is formed in a similar manner asdescribed in Figures 6 to 8, inclusive. In this tending downwardly and outwardly toward the case reeds 232 are a'combination of a metallic Y substance and a resilient substance. For examplefthe outer. reed member or part 231i of each reedY is of similar shape to that shown in Figure 8 and may be of metal, and an inner rubber base 233 may be interlocked or otherwise secured as at 238 to the outer reed member 236, and may be resiliently wedged between adjacent ribs 268.

In any of the modications shown in Figures 6 to 10 inclusive, an outer cylindrical member 260, of any suitable material, may be used to encase the reeds, the'material being selected to delay in a predetermined manner, the buckling of the reeds, whereby the tube acts as a timer to increase'the velocity of the fluid acting upon the material to be displaced, as the pressure is retained until the desired pressure is reached.

-Thus it will be seen that the reeds must'first substance to be displaced and consequently the ypressure must be built up to the selected'amount before it is elective to do its work. Reeds of pasteboard, plyboard, light metal, plastic, or the like materials have been found to be satisfactory depending upon the desired use.

Inthe construction illustrated in Figure l0, a reed 242 is illustrated which is preferably of metal and is shaped similar to that'illustratedv in Figure 8, butwhere a metal reed is used, it is desirable to use a rubber O-ring 246k to act as a seal between the reed and the adjacent ribs 208. The liange 246 of this reed closely embraces the adjacent rib 266 as illustrated in Figure 8, the O- ring 244 sealing against the adjacent rib as in the case of rings 218, as shown in Figure 7.

Referring now to the ring mechanism illustrated in Figure 11, said mechanism comprises the body member 248 provided with the external threads 256 adapted to be connected as to threads 252 of shell body 254, threads `252 corresponding to threads 22 or |98 of the shell bodies described in Figures 1 to 10 inclusive, and shell body 254 corresponding to bodies 26, etc. Body 256 is provided with the bore 256 for the reception of the firing shell 258 corresponding to the ring shells 26, etc., already described, said shell being provided with the retaining flange A266 and: the detonator or firing cap 262.

Detonator 262 is adapted to be received within -a complementary recess formed in insert 264 proclosure member 266. The inner end of the cylindrical member 212 is closed by the spring seat and closure member 218 secured as by pin 280.

Bolt member 282 is slidably mounted Within the cylindrical member 212, being provided with the hammer end 284. and being slotted for the reception of dogs 266 pivoted to said bolt asiat 288, and being urged outwardly of slots 214 by means of springs 296. The outer ends of dogs 236 are adapted to be vengaged. by adjacent shoulders 232 of the cocking bolt 234, said bolt having one end 296 engaging closure 266 and being slidably mounted in bore 298 of body mem'- ber 238. Spring 360 is interposed between member 296 and shoulder 362 dening'bore 298, spring 360 urging the cocking bolt to the position illusy trated in Figure 11.

The cocking bolt 294 extends beyond shoulderv 362 within bore 364, and a felt washer 3|)6for'ms sealing means engaging the bolt 294, being posi'- tioned by the G-washer retainer 368. Bolt 294 may be moved from the position illustrated in FigureV 11 towardthe right as viewed in "said figure by means of the chain 3H] secured to the closed end of the bolt 234 and a suitable line 312 secured to lsaid chain. Line 3|2 may extend back any suitable distance and mayfpass through slot 3 Min the shell handling tube 316, or may extend back through said tube. Tube 3i6 as shown is provided with oppositely disposed slots 3|4 and the bayonet openings 3|8 for the reception of securing pins 326 provided in the flared end 322 of the body member 248.

Closure member 266 is provided with' the axially disposed recess 324 in which the cylindrical end 326 of the ring pin member 326 is slid'- ably mounted, ring pin 336 being adapted to extend through opening 332 inthe closure member 266 for engagement with the detonator 262. A spring 338 is disposed between end 3246 and the end of closure 266 urging pin 336 toa position where thecylindrical end 326 is urged toward hammer end 286, that is, to a position where it projects beyond member 266 so it may be struck by the hammer end as it moves from cocked position to ring position shown in Figure 11. Firing pin member 3261s provided with the stem 336 which extends rthrough hammer end 284, and a spring'338 is interposed between seat'closure 218 and hammer end 284, urging said hammer end toward end 326 (or closure 266).

Assuming the parts to be in a position as illustrated in Figure 11, that is, with the firing mechanism associated with the blasing shell device, when it is desired to iire the iiring shell 258, the cocking bolt 294 is moved toward the right causing dogs 286 to be engaged by shoulder 292 to move bolt 282 toward the right. As the hammer end 284 of bolt 262 moves away from endv 326 (and closure 266), spring 334 causes slight movement of the firing pin toward the right as viewed in Figure 11 whereupon end 326 projects within the bolt releasing member, the extent to which 1t projects being limited by the clearance between the end of stem 336 and closure 216 when the device is in the position shown in Figure 11. Continued movement of the ,cooking boltv 294 toward the right causes` dogs 286 to be depressed inwardly upon engagement with Athe Shoulders 216 thereby releasing bolt 282 permitting spring 338 to act to move said bolt toward the leftk as viewed in Figure 11. This movement causes the hammer end 284 to strike end 326 causing the ring pin 336to set off the detonator, with the to initial position.

consequent operation ofthe blasting shell device as already described. Releasev of the cooking bolt 284 will -permit the spring 300 to move said cocking bolttoward the left as viewed in Figure 11, whereupon the deviceagain will be in a position for firing. It will, of course, be necessary to disconnect the body member 248 from body member 254 of the shell and apply a new blasting shell 258 for additional ring operation.

In the -construction illustrated in Figure 13 the firing mechanism body 340 is provided with the threads, not shown, for connecting body 3,40 to the blasting shell device, and the body 340 is provided with the flared end 342 for connection to the shell handling tube 3I6 shown in Figure 12, pins 344 being provided for the bayonet socket connection. In this case the ring shell 346 is provided with the electrical igniter or ring cap 348 and the electrical wiring 350 therefrom passes through a suitable opening 352 in the body 340 and rearwardly as through the shell handling tube illustrated in Figure 12 to the operating switch.

u vIn the device illustrated in Figure 14 a pneumatic ring mechanism is illustrated. In `this mechanism the body member 354 is provided with the threads 356 for connection to the blasting shell device and is also provided with the threads 358 for connection to suitable threads .of the end closure 360, similar to end closure member266 (Figure 11). End closure 360 is provided with the recessed insert 362 for the reception of the detonator or firing cap, similar to. that illustrated in Figure l1, and is provided with the recess 364 in which the cylindrical end V366 (similar to end 326) is slidably mounted. Spring 368 (similar to spring 334) is disposed in said recess, urging the ring pin 310 toward the right as viewed in Figure 14. The cylindrical end 366 is provided with the stern 312 (similar to stem 336) extending through the bolt 314 and a spring 316 is disposed between the hammer end 318 of said bolt and the closed end of the bolt releasing member 380 (similar to member 268). .Bolt releasing member 380 is provided with the slots 382 having shoulders 384 to engage the dogs 386 pivotally mounted as at 388 to bolt 314, being urged outwardly of slots 382 by means of the springs390. The ends of dogs 386 are adapted'v to be engaged by shoulders 392 (similar to shoulders 292) delined at the end of slots of the cocking bolt 394, said bolt being slidably mounted in bore 396 of body 354, a seal ring 398 being provided therebetween. Body 354 is provided with the larger bore 400 and cooking bolt 394 is provided with a rib 402 slidably mounted therein and slidably sealed by means of a seal ring 404. A stop in the form of a C-washer 406 may be disposed in bore 400 for limiting the cocking travel (travel toward the right as viewed in Figure 14) of the cooking bolt 394, and forming a spring seat for spring 401 disposed between said washer 406 and'rib 402 forV returning said-bolt l A fluid passage 408 provided in body 354 is adapted to be connected to a suitable uid pressure line and communicates with bore 400 between rib 402 and shoulder 410 between bores 396i and 400. Thus fluid pressure may be introduced to Amove the cooking bolt 394 toward the right as viewed in Figure 14 causing the dogs 386 to movethe bolt 314 away from cylindrical end 366 of vthe firing pin. Spring 364 is permitted to cause the cylindrical end 366, to project slightly within'bolt releasing member4 380.l When the dogs 386 contact shoulders 384, the dogs will be released from the cooking bolt 394 permitting spring 316 to move the hammer end 318 to strike cylinder 366, causing rng pin 310 to actuate the detonator, thus causing ring operation in a manner above described. The device is reloaded as described for the device illustrated in Figure 11, release of the fiuidvpressure returning bolt 394 to initial position as shown in Figure 11, or spring 401 maybe omitted and the bolt returned manually.

In the shell mechanism illustrated in Figure 15 the shell body 4 I 2 is provided at its rear end with quick disconnect internal threads 4I4 adapted to connect with complementary threads 416 of the housing 4I8 of the ring mechanism indicated generally at 420. Safety ram rod 422 is adapted to be used to position the mechanism in desired position.

The firing mechanism 420 is substantially the same :as shown in Figure 1l, being provided with the detonating pin closure 424 provided with the passage 426 slidably receiving the detonating pin 428. The closure 424 is threaded as at 430 to the threaded end of the ring mechanism housing 4I8. Firing pin 428 is provided with the enlarged cylindrical end 432 slidablyv mounted in the cylindrical cavity 434 of the closure 424.

In inoperative position, that is, when the pin 428 is in engagement with the detonator of explosive shell 436 (prior to firing), the inner end of the cylinder 432 extends slightly within the housing of the ring mechanism where it can be struck by the hammer 438 of the spring loaded bolt 440, said bolt beingsimilar to bolt 282 (Figure 11) :Shell 436 comprises the outer casing 442 which retains the explosive charge 444 and the shell wadding piston 446, the piston being retained by the inturnedange 448 of the casing 442. The bore 450 of the casing 4l2 is substantially cylindrical as at 452 for a length substantially greater than the length of the explosive shell 436. Thereafter there is a tapered bore portion 454 which extends to substantially cylindrical bore 455 which extends past the rearwardly directed passages 456 to a point where it communicates with a substantially cylindrical bore 458 which is larger than the adjacent end of bore 455, whereby a shoulder 460 is disposed between bores 455 and 458. The end of bore 458 is adapted to be closed by a quick disconnect cap 462 secured to the casing 412 through quick acting threads 464, the cap 462 being recessed as at 466.

In operation of this form of relatively high compression device, when the explosive shell 436 is detonated by the pin 428, the explosive charge 444 causes the piston 446 to move toward the left las `Viewed in Figure 15. The expanding gases are controlled suitably by movement of the piston 446, the piston moving toward the bore 458 being slowed down by the tapered bore 454. When the piston-passes passages 456 compressed gases will be released backwardly through passages 456. Any gases or fluid compressed in front of the piston 446 will bleed past the piston 446 after it has been received in bore 458. The device may be reloaded by disconnecting the body 412 from the firing housing mechanism 420, replacing the explosive shell 436, and the cap 462 may be removed for removal of the piston 446 trapped in bore 458. The device can then be reassembled as indicated in Figure 15 for additional operation in selected places.

afec 5,'1'8 i vInthe device illustrated in Figure 16 the body 468 is provided with the quick disconnect threads 410 adapted to form a co-nnection through complementary threads 412 of the housing 414 of the firing mechanism 416, a safety nam rod 418 being provided for application of the device in selected operative position. The firing mechanism 416 is similar to that illustrated in Figure 11. The end of the housing is closed by means of the closure member 480 in which thering pin 482 reciprocates, being actuated to re the explosive shell 434 by means of the hammer 486 ofthe bolt 488.

The body 468 is provided with the cylindrical bore 49g for the reception of the ring shell 434, said bore communicating with the bore 492 of the body in'which the free piston 494 is mounted. Said piston is provided with a seal ring 496 for retarding and controlling movement of the piston in the bore 492. Thus it may be said that an explosion chamber 498 is provided within the bore 432 between the piston 494 and the end wall 599 in which shell bore 49'@ is disposed. RearwardlyA directed passages 592 are provided at al selected part of the body, 'and the end of said body is closed by means of the quick disconnect cap E94 threadedly secured thereto Yas at 56S, the cap being provided with the compression recess'iii.

When the explosive shell 484 is red, piston 494 is moved toward the left as viewed in Figure 16 compressing any gases or fluid ahead of the piston into the space between the end of the piston and the cap 564. AS the piston uncovers passages 502- the fluid pressure behind the pistony is directed rearwardly into the bore in which the device is applied. The device may be reloaded by disconnecting the body 468 from housing 414, replacing shell 484 and thereafter reconnecting body 46% and housing 474. The piston 434 may be turned from the dotted line position illustrated in Figure 16 to the full line position illustrated in said figure by removal of the cap &4, after which this relative lowr compression blasting shell device is in condition for another operation. l

,It is to be understood that this application is notte be limited by the exact embodiments of the device shown, which are merely by way of illustration and not limitation as various and otheriorms of the device will, ofcourse, be apparentto those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the claims.

I claim:

l. In blasting mechanism, the combination of aV body member comprising an elongated sub'- stantially` cylindrical member, said cylindrical member having means at onerend for connection to `firing mechanism, said body member having a shell bore adjacent said end for the reception o f an explosive shell, said body member between said shell bore and the other end being formed of spaced ribs, a spider connecting said ribs, and reed members closing the spaces between said ribs.

2. In blasting mechanism, the combination of a body member comprising an elongated substantially cylindrical member, said cylindrical member having means at one end for connection to ring mechanism, said body member having a shell bore adjacent said end Vfor the reception ofV an explosive shell, said body member between said shell bore and the other end being formed of spaced ribs, a spider connecting said ribs, reed members closing the spaces Vbetween saidribs,

l2 and a .frangible cylindrical member embracing said reed members.

3. In blasting mechanism, the combination of a body member comprising an elongated sub# stantially cylindrical member, said cylindrical member having means at one end for connec-V tion to ring mechanism, said body member hav-.- ing a shell bore adjacent said end for the recep; tion of an explosive shell, 'said body member be'- tween said shell bore and the other end being formed of spaced ribs, a spider connecting said ribs, reed members closing the spaces between said ribs, and securing means embracing one end of said reed members for securing said end of said reed members to said body memberad jacent said shell bore. Y Y

4. In blasting mechanism, the combination of a body member comprising an elongated sub stantially vcylindrical member, said cylindrical member. Yhavingmeans at' one vend kfor connection to ring mechanism, said body member having'a shell bore adjacent Vsaid end for the reception of an explosive shell, said vbody member between said shell bore and the other end being formed of spaced ribs, a spider connecting said ribs, and reed members closingthe spaces between said ribs, said reed members each comprising an inwardly'extending reed rib disposed between ad'- jacent. spaced ribs of said body member,l seal means between said reed rib and said spaced'ribs, and arcuate, flanges on said reed rib overlying but spaced from the adjacent spaced ribs.

5. In blasting mechanism, the combination of a body member comprising an elongated sub# stantially cylindrical member, said cylindrical member having means at one end for connection to ring mechanism, said body member having a shell bore adjacent said end for thereception of an explosive shell, said body member between said shell bore and the other end being formed of spacedribs, a spider connecting said ribs, reed members closing th'easpaces between.l said ribs, said reed members being resilient and each comprising an inwardly extending reed rib disposed between adjacent spaced ribs of said body member, andk anges on said reed rib overlying and engaging the adjacent spaced ribs.

6. In blasting mechanism, the combination vof a body member -comprising an elongated sube stantially cylindrical member, saidV cylindrical member havingimeans at one 'end for connection to firing mechanism, said 'body member having a shell bore adjacent said end for the reception of an explosive shell, said body Vmember between said shell bore and the other end being formed of spaced ribs, a spider connecting said ribs, reed members closing the spaces between said ribs, said reed members being metallic and each comprising an inwardly extending reed rib disposed between adjacent spaced ribs of said body member, a resilient base on said reed members resiliently engaging the adjacent spaced ribs, and flanges on said reed rib the adjacent spaced ribs. '7. In blasting mechanism, the combination of a body member comprising an elongated sub;- stantially cylindrical member, said cylindrical member having means at one `end for connection to firing mechanism, said body member have. ing a shell bore adjacent said end for the reception of an explosive shell,.said body member be-A tween said shell bore and the other end being formedvof spaced ribs, a spider connecting said ribs, reed members closing the spaces between said ribs, said 4reed members `being metallic and overlying and engaging KENLY C. BUGG.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNI'TED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date Goldsmith et a1. Sept. 22, 1936 Taylor Feb. 13, 1940 Geertz July 9., 1940 Gebeau Oct. 3, 1944 Catlin et al Apr. 12, 1949 Weiss Apr. 11, 1950 Summerbell et a1. Apr. 18, 1950 Thomson et a1 Aug. 7, 1951 

